Also a great Vegetarian recipe with a couple of Tweaks

by AngelfishKiss
(Orlando, FL USA)

I LOVE this recipe.

And as a vegetarian, I would follow it precisely with just a couple of modifications. I would remove the ham/ham hock and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.

PLUS, I would add a generous dash of cumin. Cumin has a smokey flavor that really compliments the veggies, and gives a nice depth of flavor that you would normally get with the hamhock.

This recipe is an excellent base for other soup variaties. Add some oregano and basil, and you get an Italian flavor. Add cilantro and corn, and you get a taste of Mexico.